The mayor says the Albuquerque Rapid Transit project will be completed in the fall of 2017

BY ABQ FREE PRESS STAFF

Mayor Richard Berry plans to start ripping up Central Avenue for the new Bus Rapid Transit system as early as May.

“Mayor Berry said the ART will break ground in late May and be completed in the fall of 2017. He also introduced Bradbury Stamm as the Construction Manager at Risk company for the ART project,” the mayor’s office said in a news release.

“We are currently analyzing all the designs and initial plans, attending public information and input meetings, and working diligently to construct a project that benefits the city and for which the entire city will be proud of,” said Bradbury Stamm CEO Cynthia Schultz, according to the news release. “Our goal is to build a state-of-the-art transit system that impacts people and businesses as minimally as possible and that is on time and on budget.”

“When approved through the congressional budget process, the grant, along with money set aside by the City, gives the project $119 million for construction and beautification. The funding includes an additional $30.9 million in other federal funds, $5.4 million in matching money from the City of Albuquerque and $13.0 million in City Council-approved, Gross Receipts Tax Revenue Bond funds. ART will be the first prong of a multi-pronged upgraded citywide transit system,” the mayor’s office news release said.

The mayor’s office said a coalition of groups has been assembled to help businesses along Central deal with the disruption during construction. Many businesses have opposed the bus rapid transit project, now being called Albuquerque Rapid Transit. Opponents said they explored a lawsuit to stop the project but concluded they had no grounds to sue.

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Albuquerque’s definitive alternative newspaper publishing an inquisitive, modern approach to the news and entertainment stories that matter most to New Mexicans. ABQ Free Press’ fresh voice speaks to insightful and involved professionals who care deeply about our community.